This French Memo Board is a Tres Chic DIY Way to Display Your Photos, Postcards and More

Even in this digital world, we’ve all got paper mementos we want to hold on to (see: ticket stubs, postcards, business cards from your favorite restaurant, etc). The challenge is how to keep them without turning them into clutter. A French memo board does the trick: It’s better-looking than a bulletin board, pretty enough to leave empty, and looks even better filled with your memories. Now, there are stores out there that will sell you these for $60 and up! My version you can make for about $10. Here’s how.

DIY French Memo Board

You will need

2 18”x24” pieces of 1⁄2” thick foam core board

fabric

cotton or poly batting

scissors

pins

hot glue gun

ribbon

large needle or skewer

2” long brass paper fasteners

Method

Hot glue both pieces of foam core board foam core board together by putting hot glue near the border of one piece and laying other piece on top.

Place batting on top of foam core board and trim to the same size; hot-glue to the board.

On a clean, flat surface, place the fabric right down, then place the board on top of it, batting side down. Trim fabric to board dimensions, plus 1” all around.

Starting from the middle top of the board and working toward the outer edge, hot glue the fabric to the back of the board. Repeat with the bottom of the board, then the sides. Fold the corners neatly and hot glue in place.

Flip the board right side up. Take lengths to make an X in the middle of the frame from corner to corner; pin loosely in place. Continue with more ribbon, spacing them evenly apart. Add extra pin at the intersections to keep them in place.

Flip board upside down and hot glue ribbon ends to the back.

At each intersection, poke a hold with the needle through all the layers of ribbon, fabric, batting and foam core board. Push the brass fasteners through the holes, then fold to secure from the back.

Nine years ago, I made a vow to live my life based on three guiding principles: Love, Awe and Gratitude.
Today, instead of feeling sad, angry or anxious about The Chew’s cancellation, I will look through the lens of Gratitude and thank:
My cohosts, @chefsymon and @carlaphall, for being two of the greatest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
The crew and staff of The Chew for being so dedicated, hardworking and collaborative.
Our viewers for allowing us into your homes each day to share a laugh and a recipe — and a cocktail.
It’s been a fun run and I am so freakin’ lucky to have been a part of it. Much love, CK ❤️

This photo was taken the day my mom brought me back to the US from Panama, where I was born. She had jet-black hair and a tan, whereas I was basically translucent, with white hair and big blue eyes. Security guards stopped her in the airport because they thought she was smuggling someone else’s baby out of the country. So, I guess it’s time for everyone to come clean. I was indeed stolen. I am actually a Norwegian prince. Where’s my 👑, Terri?!?! Where. Is. My. #%^*ing. 👑?!? 🤪 Happy Mother’s Day!!! I love you. Sorry I’m so weird. ❤️